Though best known for being the capital of Argentine wine country, Mendoza has plenty more to offer travelers during their vacation.  While private wine cellars and upscale eateries are numerous, there are plenty of activities perfectly oriented for budget travelers and backpackers from all over the globe. 

Mendoza’s choice location in the Andes makes it ideal for a variety of outdoor activities that adventure travelers will love.  The highest peak in the Americas, Cerro Aconcagua, is west of the city, towering at 22,841 ft.  For a great adrenaline rush and an even better view, rock climbing expeditions will take you to the top.  Be sure to book a tour for the additional safety they provide.  This is not one to go alone.  Other nearby mountains offer great opportunities for winter sports lovers.  There is great skiing (both cross-country and downhill) and snowboarding at Los Penitentes, 103 miles west of the city at an altitude of 8,465 ft.  It has over 20 runs, some with vertical drops of over 2,000 ft.   

For vacationers who aren’t into heights but are still in for a thrill, white-water rafting is rapidly becoming the backpackers activity of choice.  Rapids of all levels can be traversed on the Rio Mendoza or the Rio Diamante, which descend from the Andean divide.

And then of course there is the wine.  Unlike the wine regions in many other countries, Mendoza and the surrounding vineyards are very budget-friendly and backpacker-accessible.  The closest vineyards are located in an area called Maipu, about a 40 minute public bus ride away.  The bus costs AR$1.40, but make sure you have exact change all in coins because the machines don’t return extra change or accept bills.  Once you are deposited in Maipu, a number of roadside bike stands will rent you bikes for AR$25-AR$35 for the day.  Take your bike for a test-drive first, then hit the tasting road.  An easy-to-follow map of local vineyards is available at the information center, a little yellow hut on the side of the road, or many rental companies will have one printed for you.   Vineyards generally charge between AR$5 and AR$15 for a tour and tasting, though this may include a bottle of wine, so bring your backpack just in case.  Tipsy and happy, after bringing your bike back to the rental agency you can catch the same bus you took in to carry you back to the city.

In March Mendoza hosts the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, the National Wine Harvest Festival.  It features a parade, plenty of parties, and the crowining of the festival’s wine queen in Parque General San Martin.

Once you’ve taken an afternoon nap, whether to rest your tired muscles or sleep off your wine hangover, Mendoza offers plenty of nightlife, with delicious inexpensive restaurants and lively bars.   The street Artistides Villanueva is lined with fun bars offering a friendly atmosphere and cool outdoor seating, and if you feel like dancing the city is dotted with a few great clubs as well.

Hostels in Mendoza are numerous and offer great inexpensive accommodation.  Many even offer hotel-like amenities, like pools and daily maid service, at prices ranging from cheap to cheaper.  At the least they will have a kitchen for you to use and a common area where you can chill out and meet other travelers.  Most hostels are happy to arrange tours and activities if you don’t have a phone or the thought of calling in Spanish gives you hives.  Reservations are generally a good idea, especially during the wine festival and the peaks of summer and winter travel season.